Areas of Study
Biblical Languages
Biblical Literature
Children's Ministry
Christian Education
Church History
Missions
Philosophy
Practical Theology
Religion
Theology
Youth Ministry
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
GRK 2010—Beginning New Testament Greek (3)
The basic elements of New Testament Greek with special emphasis on pronunciation, forms, vocabulary and syntax.
GRK 2030—Intermediate New Testament Greek (3)
More detailed study of the grammar and syntax of New Testament Greek accompanied by sight translation of selected readings in the Gospels and/or Epistles.
GRK 3010—Advanced Greek (3)
Emphasis on translation of selected passages from the Greek New Testament stressing grammatical and textual matters.
GRK 3220-4010-4020-4040-4050-4230 (3)
For descriptions see biblical literature courses with equivalent numbers with which these courses are concurrently taught. Students receiving credit in Greek study from the Greek New Testament.
GRK 4330—Directed Study in Greek (1-3)
HEB 2010—Beginning Hebrew (3)
The basic elements of Old Testament Hebrew with emphasis on the structure of the language and vocabulary.
HEB 2030—Intermediate Hebrew (3)
More detailed study of the language with emphasis on translation from the original text.
HEB 3010—Advanced Hebrew (3)
Emphasis on translation of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible, stressing grammatical and textual matters.
HEB 3200-3210-3300-3400-3600 (3)
For descriptions see biblical literature courses with equivalent numbers with which these courses are concurrently taught. Students receiving credit in Hebrew study from the Hebrew Bible.
HEB 3500—Hebrew Reading (1)
Primary emphasis on rapid reading of the language. May be taken in conjunction with another Hebrew course.
HEB 4330—Directed Study in Hebrew (1-3)
BIBLICAL LITERATURE
BIB 2990—Introduction to Biblical Exegesis (3)
An introduction to exegesis and hermeneutics, with emphasis on developing an understanding of the history, methods, and principles of theological interpretation of Scripture. Prerequisite: REL 2000.
BIB 3200—Pentateuch (3)
A study of the literature and theology of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 3210—Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3)
An examination of the worship of ancient Israel and the expression of its worship through the book of Psalms as well as a literary and theological exploration of Israel's wisdom tradition and literature. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 3220—Apocalyptic Literature (3)
A study of the literary genre and emergent theology of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic as presented in Daniel and Revelation. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 3300—Deuteronomistic History (3)
A historical, literary, and theological study of the people of God as presented in Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. Prerequisite: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 3400—Old Testament Prophets: Pre-Exilic and Exilic (3)
A study in the phenomenon of Old Testament prophecy and the literature produced by the prophets of the 8th, 7th, and 6th centuries. Prerequisite: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 3600—Post-Exilic Literature and Faith (3)
A historical, literary, and theological survey of the post-exilic period through the study of the post-exilic prophets, the Megilloth, Chronicler's History, and selected apocryphal writings. Prerequisite: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 4010—Matthew and Mark (3)
A study of the Gospels of Mark and Matthew with special attention to their literary relationships as well as their unique theological portraits of Jesus. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 4020—Pauline Epistles (3)
A study of the life, ministry, and theology of Paul as presented in the Pauline Epistles. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 4040—Johannine Literature (3)
A study of the characteristics, purposes, and theology of the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 4050—Luke—Acts (3)
A study of the Lukan writings as a literary unit in relationship to the other Gospels and other New Testament writings. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 4230—Hebrews and General Epistles (3)
A study of the literature and theology of Hebrews and the writings commonly called the General Epistles. Prerequisites: REL 2000, BIB 2990.
BIB 4240—Seminar in Biblical Studies (1-4)
In depth investigation of a segment of the Bible or a biblical theme.
BIB 4330—Directed Study in Biblical Studies (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas under the guidance of a professor in the department.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
CHM 3010—Counseling and Caring for Children and their Families (2)
A study of the methods of counseling children and their families through crisis periods in the life of the child and her/his family as well as the practice of pastoral care of children and families.
CHM 3020—Children, Contemporary Culture and the Gospel (2)
An examination of the impact of contemporary culture on children and persons working in ministry with children, including such issues as divorce, media, diversity, and sexuality.
CHM 3150—Field Education in Children's Ministry (1-3)
Field-based education for Children's Ministers in an approved ministry site. Graded S/U.
CHM 4010—Engaging Children in the Story of God (2)
An exploration of the manner in which children might be invited to participate in the story of God through proclamation and worship as well as the role of play in this engagement.
CHM 4025—Curriculum Development and Teaching Children in Children's Ministry (2)
A study of theories of education and the manner in which these theories relate to the development of curriculum and teaching in local church children's ministry.
CHM 4030—Administration and Program Development in Children's Ministry (2)
An examination of leadership and administration skills for children's ministry, the development of a budget and calendar, and working with a larger church staff.
CHM 4050—Issues in Children's Ministry (2)
An exploration of the specific issues faced by the Children's Minister including urban ministry, single-parent families, child abuse, crisis intervention, legal and ethical issues, facilities, and pre-teen ministry.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CED 2990—Summer Ministries Practicum (1-3)
Integration of academic study with practical involvement in the summer ministries programs of the Church of the Nazarene. Emphasizes the nature and background of the specific ministries, cross-cultural understandings, philosophy of ministry, personal growth, along with other foundational issues.
CED 3070—The Ministry of Compassion (3)
An introductory study of the background of compassionate ministry and the areas of possible ministry development.
CED 3080—The Educational Ministry of the Church (3)
An introductory study of the total education ministry of the church, particularly through age level ministry. Attention will be given to the teaching/learning process (including biblical teaching) and developing the learning community in the church.
CED 3170—Field Education in Compassionate Ministry (1-3)
Field-based education for persons entering Compassionate Ministry in an approved ministry site. Graded S/U.
CED 3180—Field Education in Worship Ministry (1-3)
Field-based education in an approved site for those persons entering the worship ministry. Graded S/U.
CED 3300—Childhood, Adolescence, and Spiritual Development (2)
An exploration of the stages of human development from birth through adolescence and their relationship to spiritual formation.
CED 4110—The Christian Education Minister (3)
An advanced course in the purpose and mission of the Minister of Christian Education. Particular attention will be given to understanding the various potential roles of the Minister of Christian Education (including advanced preparation for such areas as children and adult ministry) as well as organizing Christian education. Prerequisite: CEDE 3080.
CED 4210—Special Topics in Christian Education (3)
In-depth investigation of a particular topic or issue of Christian education.
CED 4220—Special Topics in Compassionate Ministry (3)
In-depth investigation of a particular topic or issue in compassionate ministry.
CED 4230—Special Topics in Youth Ministry (3)
In-depth investigation of a particular topic or issue in youth ministry.
CED 4330—Directed Study in Christian Education (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas under the guidance of a professor in the department.
CED 4560—Leadership in the Christian Organization (3)
Cross listed as COM 4560.
CHURCH HISTORY
CHI 3040—History of the Ancient and Medieval Church (3)
A survey of the major movements and figures of the Christian Church from the New Testament through the end of the fifteenth century. Doctrine, polity, church life, and worship in each period will be covered. Required before CHI 3050, 3070, and 3130.
CHI 3050—History of the Reformation and Modern Church (3)
A survey of the major movements and figures of the Christian Church from the Reformation of the sixteenth century to the present. Doctrine, polity, church life, and worship will be covered. Prerequisite: CHI 3040.
CHI 3060—History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene (3)
A survey of the history of the Church of the Nazarene with special attention given to its organization and distinctive mission. The relation of the Church of the Nazarene to North America Christianity and the American Holiness Movement will be covered.
CHI 3070—History of the Church in North America (3)
A survey of the major movements and figures of the Christian Church in North America. Doctrine, polity, church life, and worship in each period will be covered. Prerequisite: CHI 3040.
CHI 3130—History and Polity of American Denominations (3)
A survey of the history of American denominations. Particular attention will be given to denominational polity structures as well. This course will serve as a substitute for CHI 3060 for those students who are not preparing for ministry within the Church of the Nazarene. Prerequisite: CHI 3040.
CHI 4240—Seminar in Church History (1-4)
In-depth investigation of an influential personality in church history or a significant aspect of the history of the church.
CHI 4330—Directed Study in Church History (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas of church history will be covered under the supervision of a professor in the department.
MISSIONS
MIS 3141—Phenomenology of Religion (3)
A philosophical analysis of the major world religions, cults, and the parameters for inter-religious dialogue. Cross listed as PHL 3141.
MIS 3600—Foundations of Christian Mission (3)
An overview of the foundational issues that impact contemporary Christian mission including theological and historical sources for mission as well as contemporary theories of culture and communication and their impact upon cross-cultural witness.
MIS 3700—Religion and Culture (3)
A survey class addressing the relationship between religion and culture studies and their impact on Christian ministry. Attention given to theories of culture including cultural anthropology, popular expressions of religious culture and cultural/ethnic treatments of the Christian faith.
MIS 4000—Field Education in Mission (1-3)
Field-based education in global mission at an approved ministry site. Graded S/U.
MIS 4330—Directed Study in Mission (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas under the guidance of a professor in the department.
MIS 4500—Senior Project in Mission (1-2)
Senior research project for all professional minors in Mission. The project should relate to the student's specialized interest in the field, demonstrate his or her acquired skills, and be academically and professionally beneficial as a culminative experience. The project must be approved by the faculty advisor at least one semester in advance.
PHILOSOPHY
PHL 2010—Introduction to Philosophy (3)
A general introduction to the study of philosophy, both Western and non-Western. The course is organized around three domains of philosophical reflection: metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Representative philosophers from Socrates to Confucius will be used to illuminate the philosophical task. The course also includes discussion of world religions as representatives of non-Western philosophy.
PHL 3000—Critical and Constructive Thinking (3)
A study of thinking and thought, including the principles of reasoning and their application in the analysis of argument and detection of fallacies.
PHL 3010—History of Philosophy I (3)
An intensive study of ancient and medieval philosophy from the pre-socratics through William Ockham. Primary attention will be given to the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle.
PHL 3020—History of Philosophy II (3)
An intensive study of modern philosophy, from the seventeenth century to 1900. Special attention is paid to the work of Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Kierkegaard, James, and Nietzsche.
PHL 3070—Ethics (3)
A philosophical analysis of the narratives and principles that have contributed to moral and ethical norms for human action.
PHL 3141—Phenomenology of Religion (3)
A philosophical analysis of the major world religions, cults, and the parameters for inter-religious dialogue. Cross listed as MIS 3141.
PHL 4000—Contemporary Philosophy (3)
A study of contemporary philosophical work with special attention to the transition from modern philosophy to postmodern philosophy. Significant attention will be given to the work of Whitehead, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Sartre. Some attention will be given to the work of Gadamer, Quine, Austin, Davidson, Foucault, and Derrida. Prerequisite: PHL 3010 or PHL 3020 or permission of the instructor.
PHL 4010—Philosophy of Religion (3)
A philosophical analysis of religious experience with emphasis upon the nature of God and the problem of evil.
PHL 4080—Seminar In Philosophy (1-4)
In-depth investigation of the work of one or more philosophers.
PHL 4330—Directed Study In Philosophy (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas under the guidance of a professor in the department.
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
PRA 1010—Perspectives in Christian Ministry (1)
An introductory course for all Religion majors, exploring such issues as the call to ministry, ordination, spiritual formation, and the minister as person. Grades S/U.
PRA 3000—Evangelism and Missions (3)
The theology, history, theory, and practice of personal and corporate evangelism and global missions. Attention is given to personal evangelism and cross-cultural communication; church growth principles are reviewed in relation to the broader fields of evangelism and missions.
PRA 3105—Principles of Preaching (2)
An introduction to homiletical theory, sermon preparation, and delivery within the context of the public worship service. Prerequisite: BIB 2990.
PRA 3110—Biblical Preaching (2)
A survey of expository sermon construction as applied to a specific New Testament Gospel. Prerequisite: PRA 3105.
PRA 3205—Foundations of Christian Worship (3)
An examination of the various rubrics of worship, the way they have been and are used in the Church, and how these along with the theology of worship and worship styles work together to create the worship service and the identity of Christians who worship through them.
PRA 3300—Pastoral Theology (2)
An overview of the theological tasks associated with the call to pastoral ministry and the biblical and contemporary roles of the pastor. Particular attention is given to the identity of the minister, the context of the church in ministry, and the tasks of servant leadership, prayer, and worship within the community of faith.
PRA 3310—Pastoral Care and Counseling (2)
An overview of the general care and counseling roles of pastoral ministry with attention given to a critical discernment of the various theories of counseling and the implementation of the broader task of directing the church toward pastoral care. Specialized subjects such as hospital visitation, grief counseling, family systems, and spiritual direction are addressed.
PRA 3320—Pastoral Administration and Leadership (2)
An overview of the task of organizing and leading the church for ministry. Attention is given to the personal habits of the minister and the general processes of leadership and administrative oversight of the church.
PRA 3710—Practicum in Intercultural and Community Development Skills (3)
A field-based, experiential course designed to introduce the student to developmental skills for cross-cultural community service or ministry. Students are also introduced to skills needed for initiating and maintaining sustainable communities. This course is offered through the HEART Institute (Lake Wales, FL). Students must be pre-approved before enrolling. Cross listed as SOC 3710 and COM 3710.
PRA 4000—Supervised Pastoral Ministry (1-3)
A supervised application of conceptual learning to pastoral ministry assignments in: Spiritual Formation, Developing Relationships, and Compassion Evangelism. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: PRA 1010
PRA 4240—Seminar In Practics (1-4)
In-depth investigation of a practical problem, issue or theory relating to ministry.
PRA 4300—Ministers’ Workshop (1)
Special course for ministers designed as continuing education.
PRA 4330—Directed Study In Practics (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas under the guidance of a professor in the department.
PRA 4500—Field Education In Religion (1-3)
A supervised application of conceptual learning to pastoral ministry assignments in: Preaching/Teaching, Organizational Management/Leadership, and Pastoral Care. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: PRA 4000.
RELIGION
REL 2000—Introduction to Biblical Faith (3)
An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.
REL 2890—Special Studies in Religion (1-3)
Special studies designed for students desiring to pursue general religious study in a selected area.
REL 3000—Christian Tradition (3)
An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness. Prerequisites: REL 2000, PHL 2010, or PHL 3070.
REL 4000—Christian Life and Ministry (3)
An integration of Christian spirituality, life, and ministry. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is given to evaluate the spiritual structure of the student and to understand spiritual gifts, disciplines, and what it means for each individual to be a constructive influence in the Church and society. Prerequisite: REL 2000, 3000, PHL 2010 or PHL 3070, and Senior classification.
REL 4100—The Life of the Christian Minister (3)
A Senior-level integrative course addressing issues of Christian moral thought, spirituality, and ministry within the context of ecclesial identity. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is made to explore the student's ministerial identity and practice in the Church and in society. This course to be taken by Religion and Religious Studies majors in lieu of REL 4000.
THEOLOGY
THE 4090—Theology of Holiness (3)
An analysis of the biblical, historical, and theological resources for defining Christian perfection within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition.
THE 4140—Systematic Theology I (3)
A study of the nature of theology as a systematic, logical, and disciplined activity within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. This course will consider theological method and the doctrine of God.
THE 4150—Systematic Theology II (3)
A theological analysis of the doctrine of humankind, Christ, Salvation, Spirit, Church, Sacraments, and Eschatology.
THE 4240—Seminar in Theology (1-4)
In-depth investigation of a significant theologian or theological theme.
THE 4270—Old Testament Theology (3)
A study of the primary methods of the discipline of Old Testament theology as well as the major theological themes of the Old Testament within their canonical context. Prerequisite: REL 2000.
THE 4280—New Testament Theology (3)
A study of the approaches, methods, and major developments within New Testament theology. Prerequisite: REL 2000.
THE 4330—Directed Study in Theology (1-3)
Special studies in selected areas under the guidance of a professor in the department.
YOUTH MINISTRY
YMN 3010—Counseling and Caring for Teenagers and their Families (2)
A study of the methods of counseling teenagers and their families through crisis periods in the life of the teenager and her/his family as well as the practice of pastoral care of youth and families.
YMN 3020—Youth Culture and the Gospel (2)
An examination of issues confronting teenagers and persons working in ministry with teenagers in post-modern culture, including media, diversity, sexual identity, and urbanization.
YMN 3160—Field Education in Youth Ministry (1-3)
Field based education for Youth Ministers in an approved ministry site. Graded S/U.
YMN 4010—Engaging Teenagers in the Story of God (2)
An exploration of the manner in which teens might be invited to participate in the story of God through proclamation and worship.
YMN 4020—Curriculum Development and Teaching Teenagers in Youth Ministry (2)
A study of theories of education and the manner in which these theories relate to the development of curriculum and teaching in local church youth ministry.
YMN 4030—Administration and Program Development in Youth Ministry (2)
An examination of leadership and administration skills for youth ministry, the development of a budget and calendar, and working with a larger church staff.
YMN 4040—Spiritual Disciplines and Youth (2)
An exploration of the spiritual practices such as prayer, scripture reading, accountability, corporate worship, and service in the life and formation of the teenager.